Automotive panel assembly

Abstract

An automotive assembly having a rigid substructure with at least one opening. A panel having a substrate and a cushioned layer which is disposed over one side of the substrate. At least one clip extends outwardly from the other side of the substrate and the clip is complementary in shape and aligned with the opening in the substructure. An attachment mechanism secures only a portion of the outer periphery of the panel to the substructure upon insertion of the clip into its corresponding opening.

1 . An automotive assembly comprising:
 a rigid substructure having at least one opening,   a panel having a substrate and a cushioned layer disposed over at least a portion of one side of said substrate, said substrate and said cushioned layer having an outer periphery,   at least one clip extending outwardly from a second side of said substrate, said clip being complementary in shape to and aligned with said opening,   an attachment system which secures only a portion of said periphery of the panel to said substructure upon insertion of said clip into said opening.   
   
   
       2 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  and comprising a standoff associated with each clip which limits the degree of insertion of said clips into said openings. 
   
   
       3 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  and comprising a latch associated with said clip for locking said clip to said substructure upon insertion of said clip into said opening. 
   
   
       4 . The invention as defined in  claim 3  wherein said latch comprises a spring band having an outwardly extending projection disposed over said clips, said projection engaging a surface of said substructure upon full insertion of said clip into said opening to thereby lock said clip to said substructure. 
   
   
       5 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said attachment system comprises a hook formed on said outer periphery of said panel which engages a notch on said substructure upon attachment of said panel to said substructure. 
   
   
       6 . The invention as defined in  claim 5  wherein said attachment system further comprises a notch on at least one side of each hook which engages a protruding surface on said substructure upon attachment of said panel to said substructure. 
   
   
       7 . The invention as defined in  claim 6  and comprising a notch on both sides of each hook. 
   
   
       8 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said substrate comprises a plastic material.